Sky Meadows State Park

The Toil of the Trail

What have I gained by the toil of the trail?

I know and know well.

I have found once again the lore I had lost

In the loud city's hell.

 I have broadened my hand to the cinch and the axe,

I have laid my flesh to the rain; 

I was hunter and trailer and guide;

I have touched the most primitive wildness again.

  I have threaded the wild with the stealth of the deer,

No eagle is freer than I;

No mountain can thwart me, no torrent appall,

 I defy the stern sky.

So long as I live these joys will remain,

I have touched the most primitive wildness again.

-Hamlin Garland

I've never been hiking on trails that go through cow fields.  I have to say, the cows were so sweet and friendly. The only catch, you really had to watch where you were stepping.  This park was beautiful.  It was busier than we expected for this time of year, but the weather was so gorgeous it was no wonder.  

Family hikes really are my favorite weekend activity.

Spaghetti Squash

I think this is one of my favorite squash.  The great thing about this recipe is it's totally vegan and gluten free.  

Preheat Oven to 350.  Lightly spray baking sheet with olive oil.  Cut squash down the middle, scrape out seeds, and place the squash cut side down on the baking sheet.  Bake 30 min or until soft.  Let cool and scrape out insides with a fork.

Meanwhile, over med-low heat saute 1 chopped onion in a bit of olive oil.  Add 1 clove of minced garlic. Stir in 1 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes.  (You can use fresh or canned.  I used fire-roasted canned tomatoes for this recipe).

Add the squash that has been scraped from the rind to the saute pan.  Toss with the sauteed veggies.  Add a handful of chopped spinach.  Salt and pepper to taste.  You can also throw in some fresh basil.

This recipe is yummy and really versatile.

*Oh, and those seeds you scooped out...don't throw them away.  Lay them out to dry and save them for next year's garden.

It's the (second) most wonderful time of the year!

Enough with the beach pictures and back to reality which is crisp mornings and fall leaves.  This time of year is filled with brilliant colors.  Raking leaves and stacking wood are weekend activities.  Bring on the gingerbread cookies and hot apple cider.  We've got pumpkins carved and are gearing up for a family dance night, Halloween style, at a local barn

If you are looking for something to do with acorns here are a few ideas.  We hope you are embracing all things fall.

A Week Away

Our family, along with two other families rented a house in Salvo, NC for the last week in September.
6 adults, 2 kids, and 1 dog.  The house was huge, with plenty of room to spare.
We each took turns making meals, gathering around the huge table for great food and conversation.

We had so much fun: Kite flying, bike riding, windy walking, shell gathering, ferry riding, dolphin spotting, ocean kayaking, bird watching, sand squishing, and ocean romping.  It was a week full of memories, made for future reflection.

I would have loved a month away, but a week was also nice.

Being Aunt Kate

I love being a mother and wife, but I also really, really love being an Aunt.  I hope my nieces (6 so far) and nephews (1 soon to be 2) will feel comfortable coming to me for advice.

Days like these warms my heart and makes my soul smile.

Transitions

Transitioning from summer to autumn.  Goodbye peaches, hello apples!

Colors Explode

 When Autumn is here, there is no hiding it. Brilliant colors explode all around us.

 Every window from our home is painted with a view of Autumn leaves dressed in thier best.

 The colors come on gradually, peak, and then fade like water colors being washed away.

Each stage is beautiful and amazing.

Vibrant Reds

Random Things

Mini paper Tepees (Tipi or Teepee). Part of a social studies project my son is doing.

Excited about Autumn colors and clothes!

Found during a recent walk. I am sure we can use this for science.

Watching friends sing their hearts out.  Wings That Buzz playing at Pure and Simple.

Fun with Acorns: Part 3

Make a tiny pumpkin patch, full of Jack's. 

-collect acorns

-remove their tops

-paint orange and let dry

-use a black marker to make faces

Signs of Autumn

There are subtle hints of Autumn all around. 
It's in the early morning air.  

the occasional leaf, already fallen and warm with color

in the chattering of the squirrels in the pines

and the acorns that are plummeting from the skies.